PIESTANY, Slovakia [CHI] — On the last night of Chanukah, the town of Piestany, Slovakia, was roused to its first public Menorah lighting in the town square. Formerly the home to tens of thousands of Jews before 1939, Piestany is now home to Shluchim Rabbi & Mrs. Zev Stiefel & a few local Jews, as well as the thousands of Israeli, European, & even American tourists who visit this beautiful spa town every year. Over 100 people, including Jews from neighboring towns, joined the community to celebrate the holiday of freedom.
The Light of Chanukah Returns to Piestany, Slovakia
PIESTANY, Slovakia [CHI] — On the last night of Chanukah, the town of Piestany, Slovakia, was roused to its first public Menorah lighting in the town square. Formerly the home to tens of thousands of Jews before 1939, Piestany is now home to Shluchim Rabbi & Mrs. Zev Stiefel & a few local Jews, as well as the thousands of Israeli, European, & even American tourists who visit this beautiful spa town every year. Over 100 people, including Jews from neighboring towns, joined the community to celebrate the holiday of freedom.
The Mayor spoke proudly about the giant Menorah & the symbols it represents, as well as Piestany’s association with Israel, most notably its sister city, Eilat. Rabbi Stiefel gave a moving speech in Slovak, linking the Chanukah message of freedom to the welcome & support given by the townspeople of Piestany to the Shluchim & the recent tragedy in Mumbai. Hot latkes & delicious donuts, prepared by Mrs. Bina Stiefel, were distributed to the crowd, including the non-Jews who were drawn to the square by the lively music.
The event was covered by local media, including the TV station, & entertainment was provided by musician HaTomim HaBochur Avi Feldman from Manchester Yeshiva who came specially for the occasion. Chanukah songs were sung by Mushka (5) & Mendel (3) Stiefel. Special thanks also go to Leibel Greenbaum & Dov Ber Lewis who also made the trip from Manchester & added a great deal of Chayos to the event. The crowd was so enthralled they didn’t want to leave, despite the frigid temperatures!
parents in CH
Great job, as always! We’re very proud of what you’ve accomplished in such a short time. We’re so looking forward to seeing you Thursday!
RBA
We’re all proud of you!!
504
I’m proud of you guys too! ;)
SMOOPY
u guys r the best keep up the grate work (SMOOPY)
Proud parents in Montreal
Wow!!Keep up your good work.Yeilchu mechayil el chayil
Esty
“Rabbi Stiefel gave a moving speech in Slovak”-speaking slovak already!!
“Hot latkes & delicious donuts, prepared by Mrs. Bina Stiefel”-amazing!1
Sholom Myers
i was there when they took that picture i`m a shliach in bratislava which is about an hour away and i went to that menorah lighting. it was a very nice event and i was happily suprised when rabbi stiefel started speaking slovak(with 1 or 2 mistakes but that doesnt matter). the music was good and the hot latkes saved me from the freeezing cold. it was beautiful.